Cybidium Orchid Care

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Cybidium Orchid Care

Overview

The Cymbidium orchid is a variety that is native to the tropical areas of Asia and Australia and available in all colors except true red and blue. The orchid produces long blooming blossoms that are thick and waxy in texture. The flowers range in size from one to five inches, with a single plant producing up to 20 blossoms per stem. Cymbidium orchids blossom once a year, with the flowering season varying based on the species.

Step 1

Pot the Cymbidium orchid in a pot that is large enough for the plant to remain in it for two to three years. Use an orchid potting mix or make your own by mixing fir bark with perlite and peat moss. Place a cone of potting mix at the bottom of the pot and spread the roots over top. Fill the remaining pot area with medium to hold the roots in place.

Step 2

Place the orchid in an area that receives morning sunlight and is shaded in the afternoon. Leaves that turn light green or yellow are a sign the plant is receiving too bright of sunlight while very dark leaves is a sign the plant is receiving too little light.

Step 3

Place the Cymbidium orchid in a location where the nighttime temperature falls below 60 degrees F to stimulate flower spikes. The plant prefers a daytime temperature of 70 to 80 degrees F and a nighttime temperature of 50 to 60 degrees F.

Step 4

Water the orchid one to two times a week. Increase the watering schedule to four to five times a week during the hot summer months as the plant prefers more moisture rather than less. Do not let the plants sit in standing water as this will cause root rot.

Step 5

Fertilize the Cymbidium orchid every other week with a high nitrogen 30-10-10 orchid fertilizer. Water the plants prior to applying the fertilizer if the soil is dry. Decrease the fertilizing schedule to once a month during the winter season.

Step 6

Keep the humidity level around the Cymbidium orchid at 40 to 60 percent for best results. Fill a tray with pebbles and water and set the plant on top if the humidity is too low. Make sure the plant is elevated on the pebbles and not sitting in the water.

Step 7

Provide air circulation around the orchid to decrease the chance of pests. Place a circulating fan in the room if necessary.

Step 8

Repot the Cymbidium orchid plant every two to three years. Remove old potting medium from the roots and repot in a slightly larger pot. Choose to repot the plant after the flowering is completed.

References

About this Author

Jennifer Loucks has over 10 years of experience as a former technical writer for a software development company in Wisconsin. Her writing experience includes creating software documentation and help documents for clients and staff along with training curriculum. Loucks holds a Bachelor of Science major from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls specializing in animal science and business.